Electrical Device that Communicates with Appliances and an Electric Utility to Reduce a Cost of Electricity

ABSTRACT

A home appliance can operate in a future time frame. Information is obtained from a power distributor in order to determine a time when to operate the home appliance in this future time frame. The home appliance then operates at the time determined with information from the power distributor.

BACKGROUND

Power distributors transmit and sell electrical power to residential andcommercial customers. The power distributors often buy this power on theopen market and then resell the power to their customers.

One challenge is that power distributors do not know in advance anamount of power that their customers will request. If an unexpectedlarge number of customers request power during a same time period, thenthe power distributor can have a power demand spike. Such spikes canlead to brownouts, outages, and higher energy costs to the customers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an electrical device in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a method executed by an electrical device to determine anoperating time in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a display of an electrical device in accordance with anexample embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a system that manages power distribution to electrical devicesin accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a method for managing power distribution to electrical devicesin accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a system that forms groups to manage power distribution inaccordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a method for managing power distribution based on a rateschedule in accordance with an example embodiment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment is a home appliance that includes a memory storinginstructions and a processing unit that executes the instructions tostore operating information over a time period, analyze the operatinginformation to determine a future time frame when the home appliance canoperate, communicate the future time frame to a power distributor thatprovides electrical power to the home appliance, receive from the powerdistributor a time to operate the home appliance during the future timeperiod, and operate the home appliance at the time received from thepower distributor and with the electrical power received from the powerdistributor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments manage power distribution to residential andcommercial customers to reduce peak demand and more evenly distributepower throughout the day and night.

In one example embodiment, electrical devices include an IntelligentAppliance Load Manager (IALM) that stores operating information andcommunicates with a power distributor to determine a time to operate theelectrical device.

In one example embodiment, customers have a Local Area Network (LAN) orHome Area Network (HAN) that includes an Intelligent Electrical LoadManager (IELM) that provides power requests to a power distributor. Thepower requests are provided to the power distributor before the power isactually used (for example, the requests are provided minutes, hours, ordays before the power is consumed). The power requests include an amountof power being requested and time frames for using the power beingrequested (for example, the power requests asks for 2.5 kilowatt hoursto be used during a 30 minute duration between the hours of 12:00 a.m.to 8:00 a.m.). The power distributor receives these power requests frommany IELMs in advance of the power being used and then uses informationin these requests to manage power distribution to the requestingcustomers. For example, the power distributor can instruct the IELMswhen to turn on and off the electrical devices in order to purchaseelectricity at a lower rate or reduce demand spikes. Customers can alsoform groups to collectively bid on power and/or provide power requestsfor the group to the power distributor before the power is actuallyused.

FIG. 1 shows an electrical device 100 in accordance with an exampleembodiment. The type of electrical device can vary widely and includes,but is not limited to, electrical appliances, home appliances, airconditioners, refrigeration units, heating units, automobile chargingdevices, fans, furnaces/heaters, and other residential, commercial, andindustrial devices that use electricity.

As used herein, a home appliance is an electrical device thataccomplishes a household function, such as cooking, cleaning, cooling,and/or heating. Home appliances include, but are not limited to, majorappliances (such as air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers,drying cabinets, freezers, refrigerators, kitchen stoves, water heaters,washing machines, trash compactors, microwave ovens, and inductioncookers) and small appliances (such as DVD players, cameras, radios,televisions, etc.).

The electrical device 100 includes an intelligent appliance load manager(IALM) 110, a display 120, and a network interface 130.

The display 120 includes a user interface (such as a graphical userinterface, GUI) that enables a user to provide input to the electricaldevice and to view output.

The network interface 130 provides a mechanism for the electrical device100 to communicate with other electrical devices, computers, or systems.For example, the network interface 130 enables the electrical device totransmit data through a wired or wireless connection to a network, suchas a HAN, the Internet, and/or a cellular network.

The IALM 110 includes a processing unit 140 in communication with and/orcoupled to a computer readable medium (CRM) 150. By way of example, theprocessing unit 140 can be a processor, a microprocessor, centralprocessing unit (CPU), or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)for controlling and/or receiving instructions or data from the CRM 150(such as random access memory (RAM) for temporary data storage, readonly memory (ROM) for permanent data storage, and/or firmware).

Example embodiments apply to different types of electrical devices. Forexample, residential and commercial customers have electrical appliancesand other power-consuming electrical devices that have differentrequirements with respect to power-usage over time. Some electricaldevices continuously require power over time (such as a fan or clockthat continuously operates), and other electrical devices randomlyrequire power when turned on and off by a user (such as a television orlight in a residential home). As yet another example, some electricaldevices use a known or predetermined amount of power, and the use ofthis power does not have to occur at an exact time but can occur duringa range of time (as used herein, these latter devices being calledVariable Time-Based Load Devices, VTLDs).

VTLDs include electrical devices that run for a known period of time butcan be turned on at different times such that the exact time at whichthe electrical device is turned on is not crucial as long as theelectrical device operates during a time period. VTLDs also includeelectrical devices that utilize a known amount of power during a timeperiod, but use of this power can occur anytime during a time periodthat is larger than the time period to use the power. By way of example,a VTLD can be a washing machine, clothes dryer, dishwasher, or otherelectrical device or appliance that is not required to run at a specifictime or on demand, but can run anytime during a time range. By way ofillustration, consider a dishwasher that is programmed to run anytimeduring the night (for instance, the customer desires the dishwasher torun while the customer is asleep). If the dishwasher is set to apredetermined cycle (such as being designated to run an energy savingcycle to wash the dishes), then both the amount of power drawn and theamount of time to draw this power are known in advance. A customer mayrequest that the dishwasher run during the night (e.g., between 9:00p.m. and 6:00 a.m.), but the exact time that the dishwasher startsduring this time period is not crucial, as long as the dishwasher startsand finishes execution during the time period. A dishwasher that runs atnight in this fashion would be an example of a VTLD. With VTLDs, thetime at which the device executes the requested function is not crucialas long as the device executes during a specified time frame.

One way to implement example embodiments is for a customer to indicatewhich electrical devices are VTLDs. This indication can be made to theelectrical device through the display 120. For example, a user interactswith the display to navigate menu options or provides a command toindicate that the electrical device is a VTLD. Alternatively, thisindication can be made to the electrical device through the networkinterface 130. For example, a user uses a personal computer (PC) tocommunicate with the electrical device 100 through the network interface130 in a HAN.

The user can also utilize the display 120 and/or network interface 130to operate the electrical device 100 and provide instructions foroperation. By way of example, if the electrical device is a dishwasher,the user can instruct the dishwasher to run a wash and rinse cycleanytime between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The dishwasher would thencommunicate this information to the power distributor, and the powerdistributor would indicate to the dishwasher what time to turn on andexecute the wash and rinse cycle. The information communicated to thepower distributor would be sufficient so the power distributor wouldknow in advance an amount of power being requested, a duration of timeto use the requested power, and a time range for when the requestedpower can be used.

In one example embodiment, the user or customer indicates whichelectrical devices are VTLDs. This indication can be made for differentelectrical devices, such as dishwashers, washing machines, clothesdryers, air conditioners, battery chargers, air conditioners, electricalappliances, etc. The user or customer can also indicate execution timesor run times for each of the electrical devices. For example, thecustomer would indicate the dishwasher is a VTLD with a run periodbetween 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. In other words, the customer desires tohave the dishwasher run anytime between the hours of midnight and sixo'clock in the morning.

In one example embodiment, these indications are not provided by thecustomer, but are automatically determined by the electrical device. Theelectrical device itself or an IELM determines whether the electricaldevice is a VTLD and determines when to turn on and off based on thecommunications with the power distributor and operating information. Inthis way, the customer is not burdened with indicating which devices areVTLDs and what time periods are required for operation. By way ofexample, the IALM of an electrical device or an IELM monitors operatinginformation of the electrical device over a time period. The IALM orIELM determines that the electrical device can be designated as a VTLD.Once this determination is made, the electrical device or IELM wouldinform the customer that the electrical device could be designated as aVTLD. The customer could accept or reject this designation. The customercould also be provided with cost savings information on purchasingelectricity in order to assist in making an informed decision as towhether to accept or reject the designation of the electrical device asa VTLD.

FIG. 2 is a method executed by an electrical device to determine anoperating time in accordance with an example embodiment.

According to block 200, the electrical device stores operatinginformation over a time period. This operating information includes, butis not limited to, what calendar dates and times of day that theelectrical device is used, how long the device operates at these datesand times, and how many kilowatt hours are used at these dates andtimes. The electrical device can track and store this historicalinformation for a designated time (such as days, weeks, months, years)or for the lifetime of the electrical device.

According to block 210, based on the operating information, theelectrical device determines a future time frame (i.e., a time framethat has not yet occurred but will occur at a future time) when theelectrical device can operate. The electrical device analyzes thehistorical data from the operating information to determine futureoperating times (such as when to turn on and off and/or when to operate)and power load requirements.

In one embodiment, the time frame is a calendar date and a range of timeon this date that the electrical device can operate in the future. Thisrange of time is based on an analysis of the historical operatinginformation. The time frame can be based on a prediction or probabilitythat the electrical device will operate at a certain time or during acertain time period in the future. For example, if the current date andtime were May 17^(th) at 11:00 a.m., then the electrical device couldpredict (based on historical operating times) that the electrical devicewill be operated on May 17^(th) (i.e., the same day) between 4:00 p.m.and 7:00 p.m. The electrical device could then pre-order power tooperate the electrical device before electrical device actually usesthis power.

The electrical device can utilize one or more statistical methods tocalculate a probability of the electrical device being used during acertain time frame in the future or certain time range based on thehistorical data of when the electrical device was previously used. Byway of example, the operating times and power usages can be plotted. Themean and standard deviation of the distribution can be calculated tofind a measure of confidence or confidence interval. The distributioncan also be used to calculate a variance and determine a likelihood ofthe electrical device being used during a certain time period (forexample, the electrical device has a 95% chance of being used betweenthe hours of 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

According to block 220, the electrical device communicates with a powerdistributor to determine a time to operate during the future time frame.For example, the electrical device provides the power distributor withoperating information that includes one or more of a future time and/ordate when the electrical device desires to operate, a time frame on thisdate for when the electrical device desires to operate, a length of timeof operation during the time frame, an amount of power desired for usageduring the length of time of operation, a make and/or model of theelectrical device (or other information to identify the type ofelectrical device), an address and/or location of the electrical device,and an identification of a customer associated with the electricaldevice. Based on this information, the power distributor instructs theelectrical device when to operate during the requested time frame.

The power distributor receives the calendar date and time frame from theelectrical device and/or customer and then selects a time for theelectrical device to operate within this time frame. For example, theelectrical device might identify itself and instruct the powerdistributor as follows: “Requesting 1.5 kWh of power during a one hourtime period anytime between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on May 17^(th).” Inresponse to this request, the power distributor might respond to theelectrical device as follows: “Commence usage of the requested 1.5 kWhat 1:00 p.m. on May 17^(th).”

In one embodiment, the electrical device and/or customer purchases powerto operate the electrical device from the power distributor before theelectrical device uses the power during the future time frame.

The electrical device can communicate with the power distributordirectly, such as providing the operating information to the powerdistributor through one or more networks. The electrical device can alsonegotiate with the power distributor for a price to buy the requestedelectrical power to operate the electrical device during the future timeframe. This negotiation could include the electrical device offering tooperate at one of a plurality of different times in the future in orderto purchase electricity at a lower cost during one of these differentfuture times.

Alternatively, the operating information can be provided to the powerdistributor from another device. For instance, the electrical devicecommunicates the operating information to another device (such as apersonal computer, an electric meter, an Intelligent Electrical LoadManager (IELM), etc.), and this other device provides the information tothe power distributor.

According to block 230, the electrical device operates at the timeagreed upon with the power distributor. For example, the powerdistributor instructs the electrical device to turn on and off and/orexecute at a specific time and date. This specific time and date wouldbe within the time frame calculated by the electrical device andcommunicated to the power distributor. The electrical device would thenexecute at the designated time and date for the requested duration andutilize the requested or known amount of power.

Consider the following example of a customer who purchases a newdishwasher with an IALM. Over a period of days, weeks, or months, theIALM in the dishwasher tracks when the dishwasher is used, how long theruntimes are for each use, and how many kilowatt hours are used for eachruntime. The IALM determines that there is a 90% likelihood that eachevening between 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the customer starts thedishwasher and runs it for a cycle of 60 minutes that consumes 30.0kilowatt hours of electricity. The dishwasher door is not opened until6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. the next morning. With this information, the IALMautomatically designates the dishwasher as VTLD. The next night, thecustomer loads the dishwasher and turns on a wash and rinse cycle at8:00 p.m. The dishwasher, however, does not start at this time. Instead,the IALM of the dishwasher reports a request to the power distributor ofthe customer for 30.0 kilowatt hours between 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. witha runtime of one hour. The power distributor determines an optimal timefor distributing the 30.0 kilowatt hours and instructs the dishwasherwhen to execute the wash and rinse cycle. For example, the powerdistributor might determine that the lowest demand for electricityoccurs at 3:30 a.m. This time could also represent a lowest cost topurchase power during the requested runtime of 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.The power distributor would then instruct the dishwasher to turn on andexecute at 3:30 a.m. until 4:30 a.m.

When the customer turns on the dishwasher, the dishwasher would notimmediately start. A light or other indication (such as a message on adisplay of the dishwasher or an audible indication) can indicate to thecustomer that the dishwasher will not run immediately, but instead runduring a time frame. This indication would instruct the customer thatthe dishwasher will communicate operating information with the powerdistributor to determine a time to operate so the dishwasher canpurchase power at a lower rate. The customer will save money since thedishwasher will be run at a later time when the purchase of power isless expensive.

Consider another example in which a customer has an electric vehicle,such as an automobile that uses electricity to move. Each evening atapproximately 5:00 p.m., the customer drives home, parks the automobilein a garage, and plugs the automobile into an automobile rechargingunit. This unit then charges the batteries of the automobile forapproximately 3 hours. Each morning at approximately 6:00 a.m., thecustomer unplugs the automobile recharging unit. The IELM of thecustomer monitors this charging of the automobile and determines thatautomobile recharging unit is a VTLD. The next evening when the customerplugs the automobile into the automobile recharging unit at 5:00 p.m.,the IELM contacts the power distributor and requests rates for power tocharge the automobile between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The IELM wouldcommence charging of the automobile at a time when the rate forelectricity was the lowest during this time period.

By way of example, FIG. 3 shows a display 300 of an electrical device.For illustration, the display is on a dishwasher, but the display canoccur on other electrical devices in accordance with exampleembodiments.

The display 300 indicates that the dishwasher is in an Energy CostReduction Mode. This mode indicates to the customer that the electricaldevice will start and stop during a time period in order to purchaseand/or receive electricity at a reduced rate from the power distributor.By way of illustration, the display 300 indicates information 310 of itsintended operation times, such as displaying that the “Dishwasher willrun between 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.” Information 310 instructs thecustomer that the dishwasher will delay execution of the requested runcycle and execute its requested run cycle during this future timeperiod.

The display 300 further includes options for the customer to accept,reject, or change the proposed operation times. For example, assume thecustomer loads and starts the dishwasher at 8:00 p.m. The dishwasherdoes not immediately start, but instead displays the information shownin FIG. 3. If the user presses or touches “Okay” at 320, then thedishwasher will communicate with the power distributor and executebetween 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. If the user presses or touches “Run Now”at 330, then the dishwasher will immediately execute (as opposed tocommunicating and/or negotiating with the power distributor to determinea time to operate having a lowest cost for electricity). If the userpresses or touches “Change Time” at 340, then the user can change thetime frame of operating the dishwasher. For example, the user canfurther interact with the display to change the time frame from 8:00p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. The dishwasher would thencommunicate with the power distributor and determine a time to operatebetween 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

When the user starts the electrical device, the user can indicate a timeframe for the electrical device to execute. The user can interact withthe display and instruct the electrical device when to start and/or whento finish. For example, assume that the electrical device is a clotheswashing machine. After loading the clothes, the user instructs thewashing machine to run anytime as long as the washing machine finishesbefore a specified time. By way of example, the user instructs thewashing machine to finish washing the clothes anytime within the next 5hours or to finish washing the clothes before 6:00 p.m. on the next day.The washing machine is thus provided with a time frame in which tocomplete the requested task of washing the clothes. Since this timeframe is greater than the time needed to complete the task, the washingmachine can select when in time to start to wash the clothes. Thewashing machine would then communicate with the power distributor inorder to select an optimal time to start washing the clothes. Thewashing machine would provide the power distributor with operatinginformation (such as power requirements, time duration, etc.) and askfor a start time in order to receive a reduced price for electricity.For instance, if the washing machine were planning to run a one-hourwash cycle and consume 500 watts of electricity anytime during the next10 hours, then the washing machine would identify itself to the powerdistributor, communicate this information, and request a start time. Thepower distributor would then instruct the washing machine when to startin order to receive a lowest price for electricity (for instance, if therequest were received at noon, the power distributor might instruct thewashing machine to start at 3:00 p.m.).

When the scheduled operation time or scheduled power usage agreementwith the power distributor is violated by the electrical device, theelectrical device can take an action, such as automatically shuttingdown, notifying a user, performing a predetermined operation (such asconverting to a default mode), etc. The user can also interact with theelectrical device to override these actions. Consider an example inwhich the user schedules the electrical device to turn on and operate at3:00 p.m. The electrical device subsequently determines that power forthe scheduled operation can be purchased much cheaper if the deviceoperates at 5:00 p.m. instead of 3:00 p.m. The electrical device couldchange the scheduled operation time but notify the user in advance ofchanging the operation, such as sending a text message or email to theuser. The user could accept this change or reject it and instruct theelectrical device to perform the operation at 3:00 p.m.

The electrical device can also notify the user of the cost implicationsof making a schedule change, such as providing the user with an amountof money being saved or lost by switching to a different operating time.The electrical device can also provide the user with a cost comparisonof different operating times. For example, the electrical devicecommunicates with the power distributor, determines different costs forbuying electricity at different times, and then communicates these coststo the user. The user and/or electrical device can then make an informeddecision based on the cost of electricity when to operate the electricaldevice in the future.

FIG. 4 shows a system 400 that manages power distribution to electricaldevices in accordance with an example embodiment. The system 400includes a power distribution system that distributes electricity from apower supplier or power generator to customers. For example, electricityflows along transmission lines from a generating station (such as apower plant) to substations, and then flows from the substations throughdistribution lines to the customers. By way of further example, thesystem 400 includes a smart grid system.

The system 400 includes a plurality of residential and/or commercialcustomers 410A to 410N. Each customer includes one or more electricaldevices 420A to 420M that consume electricity. By way of example, theseelectrical devices include one or more of VTLDs, the electrical device100 shown in FIG. 1, and other electrical devices and appliances.

Each customer 410A to 410N includes a network 430 and an IntelligentElectrical Load Manager (IELM) 440. The IELM has a processing unit 450,a CRM 452, a display 454, and a network interface 456. The electricaldevices 420A to 420M communicate with the IELM 400 through the network430.

The system 400 also includes a power distributor 470 and a network 480.Each customer 410A to 410N can communicate with the power distributor470 through the network 480. For example, each electrical device 420A to420M communicates with the IELM 440 of each customer, and then each IELMcan directly communicate with the power distributor 470. As anotherexample, each electrical device 420A to 420M can directly communicatewith the power distributor 470.

As used herein, a network can include one or more of the internet, anintranet, an extranet, a cellular network, a local area network (LAN), ahome area network (HAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), etc.

As used herein, a power distributor is an entity that performs one ormore of generating, distributing, providing, or selling electricity tocustomers, such as residential, commercial, or industrial customers.Power distributors include, but are not limited to, cities, villages,towns, municipalities, political subdivisions of a state, electricutilities, and other entities that engage in the generation,transmission, and/or distribution of electricity for sale to customers.Power distributors also include groups, such a group of municipalitiesthat aggregate their power requirements and purchase power from anentity that generates power.

The system 400 manages electrical devices 420A to 420M in order toreduce peak demand or random spikes in demand for electricity that isprovided by the power distributor 470. The power distributor receivespower requests from these electrical devices and then regulates when intime these electrical devices turn on and off and/or when in time theseelectrical devices utilize the power being requested and provided by thepower distributor. This process provides the power distributor withrequests for power in advance of the requested power being supplied tothe customer. This process thus enables the power distributor to moreevenly distribute load throughout the day and evening and reduce peakdemand. The power distributor knows in advance a time range when eachelectrical device is to be run, power usage of each electrical device,and a length of time that the device will run. This process alsoprovides the power distributor with information to more accuratelypredict or forecast an amount of power that will be used in the futureat certain times of day.

By way of example, assume the system 400 forms part of a city and thepower distributor 470 supplies electrical power to residential andcommercial customers 410A to 410N in this city. The power distributorreceives power requests each day from these customers for theirrespective electrical devices, such as their VTLDs. The powerdistributor would then know in advance how much power will to bedistributed over a future time period for these electrical devices. Thetotal power to be distributed during this time period can be more evenlydistributed to reduce or eliminate peak demand or spikes in demand. Forexample, if peak demand occurred at 6:00 p.m., then the powerdistributor could instruct the electrical devices to utilize theirrequested power before or after 6:00 p.m. The power distributor can thususe the power requests to reduce costs associated with power purchasingand distribution and then pass this savings to the customers, such aslower peak demand charges and/or lower kilowatt hour charges.

As discussed in connection with FIG. 2, the electrical device can trackand store historical operating information to determine a time frame forwhen the electrical device can operate. This operating information canbe communicated to the power distributor to determine a time to operate.Alternatively, the IELM can manage power distribution to the electricaldevices.

In one example embodiment, the IELM 440 tracks and stores operatinginformation over a time period for the electrical devices 420A to 420M.Based on this operating information, the IELM calculates a future timeframe for when the electrical devices can operate and communicates thisinformation to the power distributor in order to determine when in timeto turn on and off the electrical devices.

By way of example, a customer has three electrical devices (such as VTLD#1, VTLD #2, and VTLD #3). The IELM tracks historic power usages overtime for each of these electrical devices and calculates probabilitiesthat these devices will be used during certain time ranges. A user turnson VTLD #1 at 8:30 a.m. with a run cycle of one hour that will consume1.0 kWh. The IELM calculates a 93% probability that VTLD #1 can executethis run cycle anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Based on thisprobability, the IELM instructs VTLD #1 not to immediately execute thisrun cycle. The IELM then communicates with the power distributor andrequests whether the power distributor is offering a rebate forelectricity of 1.0 kWh at anytime between 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If thepower distributor is not offering any rebate or reduced price for thisamount of electricity, then the IELM instructs VTLD #1 to immediatelyturn on and execute the run cycle per the request from the user. If thepower distributor is offering a rebate on electricity, then the IELMnegotiates with the power distributor to determine a time between 8:30a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to receive the lowest cost for 1.0 kWh. The IELM theninstructs VTLD #1 what time to turn on based on the negotiations withthe power distributor.

The IELM 440 can also utilize the operating information to determine howto distribute load to the electrical devices during the day and night.Consider an example in which the power distributor charges a demandcharge for the use of electricity. This demand charge would increaseduring high peak demand periods and decrease during off or low peakdemand periods. The IELM can obtain and analyze historical operatinginformation that includes electric bills from the power distributor.This information would enable the IELM to determine when in time highand low peak demand periods occur. Alternatively, the IELM could obtainthis information from the power distributor. With this information, theIELM can determine when to turn on and off electrical devices during theday and night in order to save costs. For example, VTLDs can be operatedduring low peak demand periods, as opposed to operating these devicesduring high peak demand periods. This change in when the VTLD operatedwould result in a cost savings to the customer since the demand chargefor electricity is lower during off peak demand times. The IELM can alsocycle on and off electrical devices during the high peak demand periodsin order to reduce the cost paid by the customer for electricity.

Consider an example in which the IELM determines that an electricaldevice will operate in the future for one hour at anytime between 6:00p.m. and 12:00 a.m. The IELM determines that a high peak demand chargeexists for electricity used between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The IELMwould then instruct the electrical device to commence operation after9:00 p.m. in order to avoid the increase demand charge for electricity.

The IELM can also utilize the operating information to more evenlydistribute load throughout the day and night. Consider the example inwhich the IELM is located in a home of a customer (such as customer 410Ain FIG. 4 being a home). Some of the electrical devices in the homewould be VTLDs and could be turned on and off anytime during a futuretime range. The IELM can schedule these devices to turn and off in orderto have a more uniform daily and nightly load demand for the home. Thiswould reduce or eliminate spikes in power usage for the home.

Alternatively, the IELM can also utilize the operating information todistribute load throughout the day and night so more load occurs duringa particular time. For example, the IELM could schedule VTLDs and otherelectrical devices to be on during a particular time or during aparticular time range. During this time range, a larger portion of theoverall load would be consumed. This time range might represent a periodwhen electricity was less expensive. For instance, the IELM obtains theprices for electricity (e.g., demand and kWh charges) in a rateschedule. Additionally, the IELM of the customer might belong to a groupof other IELMs with other customers (the IELMs of each customerreporting to a central IELM). The central IELM might instruct the IELMof each customer to use a larger portion of its load during a specifictime range.

In addition to the historical operating information, other informationcan be used to determine a future time frame to operate the electricaldevice and/or purchase power in advance from the power distributor. AnIALM or an IELM can monitor the weather and use forecasts of weather todetermine whether to pre-purchase power for an electrical device from apower distributor. For example, a weather forecast might predict a 10 to15 degree temperature drop within the next 24 hours due to a passingstorm. The IALM or IELM would contact the power distributor andpre-purchase power for an electric heating unit since the change intemperature will cause the heating unit to turn on. Alternatively, ifthe weather forecasted the temperature to rise the next day, the IALM orIELM would contact the power distributor and pre-purchase power for anelectric air conditioning unit since the increase in temperature willcause this unit to turn on. The IALM or IELM can receive periodic orcontinuous weather reports, such as receiving real-time reports througha weather gadget.

FIG. 5 is a method for managing power distribution to electrical devicesin accordance with an example embodiment.

According to block 500, an electrical device of a customer receivesrequests for power usage from a plurality of different electricaldevices of the customer. Each request can include operating informationthat includes one or more of an identification of the electrical devicemaking the request, an amount of power being requested, a length of timethat the electrical device requests to operate, and a time frame or timerange when the requested power is to be used. For example, a residentialcustomer has different electrical appliances and electrical devices(such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, heaters, etc.)that request to be turned on and/or operated during the next 24 hours.In one example embodiment, the requests are transmitted to and/orreceived at an IELM, such as an IELM of the customer.

According to block 510, the electrical device consolidates the requestsfor power usage from the plurality of different electrical devices ofthe customer. Consolidation can include adding information to therequests, subtracting information from the requests, summarizing therequests, and/or analyzing the requests.

According to block 520, the electrical device transmits the consolidatedrequests for power to a power distributor.

According to block 530, the power distributor analyzes the consolidatedrequests and determines future times when the plurality of differentelectrical devices can begin to utilize the requested power. Thedetermination of when to instruct the electrical devices to use therequested power can be based on one or more of reducing peak powerdemand, more evenly distributing electrical load to customers, reducingdemand charges for a customer, reducing a price of power for a customer(e.g., the price per kilowatt hour of electricity), reducing alikelihood of a brownout or power outage to customers, etc.

The future time to begin utilizing the power can be a single time, suchas begin usage of the requested power in three hours at 4:20 a.m.Alternatively, the time can include multiple different times of day. Forinstance, if the customer requested a total of 5.2 kWh, then the futuretimes could be provided as begin usage of 3.5 kWh at 3:00 a.m.; 1.0 kWhat 3:30 a.m.; and 0.7 kWh at 3:12 a.m.

According to block 540, the power distributor transmits the times to theelectrical device. For example, the time is transmitted over a networkto the electrical device.

In one example embodiment, the power distributor transmits differentelectrical costs to purchase the requested amount of power at differenttimes during the future time range. Consider an example in which an IELMrequests 5.0 kWh of power between 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. with a usagetime of 30 minutes. The power distributor might respond with a rateschedule as follows:

-   -   (1) 19 cents per kWh with a start time of 3:00 a.m.    -   (2) 20 cents per kWh with a start time of 5:00 a.m.    -   (3) 20.5 cents per kWh with a start time of 7:00 a.m.

The IELM would then select a start time and cost per kWh. For example,the IELM could select a lowest cost for the requested power and sectionoption 1.

According to block 550, the electrical device receives times andinstructs the plurality of different electrical devices when to turn on,off, and/or commence execution of their requested functions.

According to block 560, the plurality of electrical devices commencesoperation at times instructed by the electrical device.

By way of example, an IELM tracks and stores the operating informationfor different electrical devices of a customer and communicates pluralrequests for power to the power distributor. These requests can beconsolidated (such as being added together or summarized) before beingprovided to the power distributor. For instance, assume a customer hasseveral VTLDs with different power usage requests during the evening.The IELM could consolidate these individual requests together andprovide them to the power distributor. For example, the IELM receivesthe following requests from its electrical devices:

-   -   (1) electrical device #1 requires 1000 watts for thirty minutes;    -   (2) electrical device #2 requires 3500 watts for one hour; and    -   (3) electrical device #3 requires 500 watts for one hour.

If these electrical devices were requested to operate between midnightand 6:00 a.m., then the IELM could request 4.5 kilowatt hours ofelectricity to be used during one hour anytime from midnight to 6:00a.m. The power distributor would receive this single request from theIELM and instruct the IELM when to commence usage of the requested 4.5kilowatt hours (for example, the power distributor instructs the IELM tocommence usage of the requested power at 3:45 a.m.). The IELM would theninstruct electrical devices #1, #2, and #3 when to turn on and/orutilize their requested power.

The IELM can also offset the amount of power needed by an amount ofpower that the customer generates. Consider an example in which thecustomer has solar panels that generate power during the requestedfuture time period to operate the electrical devices. Based onhistorical data, the IELM could predict how much power will be generatedby the solar panels during the future time period and then reduce theamount of power requested from the power distributor by this generatedamount. For example, if the electrical device needed 1.0 kilowatt hourto run but the solar panels could generate 500 watts, then the IELMwould request 500 watts of power from the power distributor instead of1.0 kilowatt hours.

FIG. 6 is a system 600 that forms groups to manage power distribution inaccordance with an example embodiment. The system 600 includes aplurality of customers 610A to 610N. Each customer has a plurality ofelectrical devices 620A to 620M. The customers can communicate with eachother and/or with a central IELM 630 through one or more networks 640. Aplurality of different power distributors 650A to 650P can communicatewith the customers 610A to 610N and/or with the central IELM 630 throughthe one or more networks 640.

Two or more of the customers 620A to 620N can form a group to purchasepower from one or more of the power distributors 650A to 650P. In oneexample embodiment, the group collectively bids and/or requests pricequotes for electrical power that will be used during a future timeperiod. The group can negotiate for less expensive power from the powerdistributors 650A to 650P since the group is collectively purchasing alarger quantity of power than a single customer. Furthermore, the groupis providing the power distributor with the requested purchase of powerin advance of the power actually being consumed. Requests for power canbe provided minutes, hours, or days before actually being used. Further,as discussed herein, requests for power can include an amount of powerbeing requested, time ranges or time periods to use the power orportions of the power, etc.

For example, assume that a group of homes (such as homes in aresidential gated community or apartments in a large apartment complex)each have a HAN and an IELM (for example, shown in FIG. 4). Each eveningthe IELM of every home calculates the required power usage for itsVTLDs. For example, home #1 requires 3.5 kilowatt hours anytime between12:00 am to 6:00 am; home #2 requires 5 kilowatt hours anytime between9:00 pm to 5:00 am; home #3 requires 2 kilowatt hours anytime between1:00 am to 9:00 am, etc. The requirements for each of these homes aretransmitted to the central IELM for the entire group of homes. Thus,each home has its own IELM that reports to a central IELM for the group.

The central IELM then consolidates the power requirements and reportsthe consolidated power requirements over a network to the differentpower distributors. For example, the central IELM could report: “I need20,000 kilowatt hours tonight between 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Of thistotal kilowatt hours, 11,000 kilowatt hours will be used with executiontimes of 1 hour; 6,000 kilowatt hours will be used with execution timesof 30 minutes, 3,000 kilowatt hours will be used with execution times of2 hours.” The power distributors can then use this information todetermine how to allocate the 20,000 kilowatt hours during the timeperiod between 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This allocation and prices for thepower are then reported back to the central IELM, which in turn thenpurchases the requested power from one or more of the powerdistributors. The central IELM can select the power distributor offeringthe lowest price for the requested power. The customer is thus able toobtain competing bids or costs for the requested power to be used in thefuture.

After selecting a power distributor, the central IELM advises each homeIELM when to uses its requested power. For example, home #1 requested3.5 kilowatt hours between 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. The central IELMcould inform the IELM of home #1 “use 1.5 kilowatt hours between 1:30a.m. to 2:00 a.m., and use 2.0 kilowatt hours between 5:00 a.m. to 6:00a.m.”

If the electrical device includes an IALM, then the electrical deviceitself can negotiate with the power distributor as to prices forelectricity at various times, times to turn on/off, etc. For example,the dishwasher of a customer could contact several power distributorsand ask: “I want 0.5 kWh between 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. What are yourdifferent prices for electricity during this time period?” Based on thisinformation, the dishwasher can determine when to turn on and run andwhich power distributor will provide the power. Thus, the electricaldevice of the customer communicates and negotiates with the powerdistributor to determine a cost for power and/or a time when to use therequested power.

Alternatively, as stated herein, this request from the dishwasher couldbe provided to an IELM in the home of the customer (instead of beingprovided directly to the power distributor), and this IELM couldnegotiate and/or transact with the power distributor to determine whenthe electrical device turns on and off. As another example, a centralIELM could negotiate and/or transact for multiple different customers,such as an apartment complex or housing community having a single IELMthat receives power requests from each of its customers.

Example embodiments can also work with no IELM or HAN. For example, acustomer purchases a freezer that turns on and off during the night. Thehome of the customer does not include a HAN or IELM, but does havewireless Internet or access to a network. The freezer includes an IALMthat directly negotiates with the power distributor when to turn on andoff to keep items frozen or keep items within a temperature range. Theitems in the freezer can remain within a temperature range, so thefreezer has a range of time when it can turn on and off and for howlong. The freezer would turn on when power was cheaper and turn off whenpower was more expensive. This same concept could apply, for example, toan air conditioning unit or other electrical devices.

As noted, in one example embodiment, each electrical device includes anIALM. This IALM, however, increases the cost of the electrical device.As an alternative, the IELM could monitor each electrical device, storeand determine its operating information, and negotiate for or on behalfof the electrical devices. In this alternate embodiment, each electricaldevice would not include an IALM, but be part of the LAN or HAN. TheIELM for the LAN would monitor and store over a period of time when theelectrical devices of the customer turned on and off, how muchelectricity was consumed, calculate or determine a future time range foroperating the electrical devices based on historical time usages, etc.The IELM would then designate which devices are VTLDs, negotiate ontheir behalf with the power distributor, and instruct the electricaldevices when to turn on and off. For example, a single IELM couldcontrol a plurality of different VTLDs of a customer.

Example embodiments enable customers to bid for electrical power sincethe power requirements for certain electrical devices are known inadvance and usage of this power can occur anytime within a time range.The exact power requirements for all of the customer's usage may not beknown since the power requirements of some devices are unknown. Forexample, the power requirements of certain lights, TVs, microwaves, etc.in the house are not known with certainty since users turn these deviceson/off for different periods of time each day and require that thedevice function on demand. By contrast, the power requirements for theVTLDs are known with more certainty since these electrical devices runfor a known period of time, use a known amount of power, and can be runat anytime during a given time period. Bids can be presented to two ormore power distributors in order secure a lower price for electricity tothe customers for these VTLDs.

Consider the example in which a group of commercial customers in anindustrial park form a group called Industrial Group ABC. This groupincludes company A, company B, and company C, each of which consumes alarge portion of electrical power everyday (e.g., 15 k to 30 k kilowatthours per day). Each company has a multitude of IALMs that report powerconsumption requirements to an IELM. Alternatively, a single IELMmonitors the power usage of each electrical device in the company. Eachelectrical device would report how much power it requires during thenext 24 hours (or longer period of time) and what time ranges theelectrical device can start and stop. The IELM for each company A, B,and C would collect all of this information and then transmit thisinformation to a central IELM for Industrial Group ABC.

The IELM for Industrial Group ABC can then place its power requirementson the open market for bidding between two or more power distributors.These power distributors could compete for different amounts of thetotal load at different times. Furthermore, the power distributors couldprovide different usage schemes (different prices and time periods andkilowatt hours). Prices could vary depending on demand requirements ofthe distribution requirements from other customers, current marketconditions, etc. The central IELM for Industrial Group ABC wouldpurchase the best available power package from one or more powerdistributors to meet the known power requirements reported by the IELMsfor each company. The power being purchased would be for the VTLDs ofthe respective companies.

Companies A, B, and C would also have to purchase power for otherelectrical devices, such as electrical devices that were not VTLDs.These electrical devices would use random amounts of power at randomtimes, such as lights being turned on and off at different times orlights that were required to stay on continuously. As such, companies A,B, C could get two different electrical bills or have the electricalbill divided into two separate portions. Pre-purchased power boughtbefore usage for VTLDs, and power bought on demand. The pre-purchasedpower would be less expensive than power required on demand (e.g., thepower to turn on a light bulb when a user enters a room). Furthermore,the power distributor could verify with an electric meter of thecustomer that the customer did indeed use the pre-purchased power forthe VTLDs at the designated time.

Example embodiments include municipalities and other entities (such astowns, cities, villages, etc.) forming groups and buying electricity fortheir customers with VTLDs. These municipalities form a group ofpurchasers of electricity for their customers and aggregate their powerusages that will be purchased from a power generator. Consider anexample of a house in which electrical power usage is broadly dividedinto two quantities: (1) power used on a daily basis that is unknown inadvance, and (2) power used on a daily basis that is fixed or known inadvance and usage of this power can occur during a known time period(e.g., power used by VTLDs).

The first quantity includes power consumed by devices in whichconsumption is random or not known, such as light bulbs being turned onand off during the day or televisions/radios being turned on and off atrandom times. Other examples of this quantity would include a toaster ormicrowave. Although these devices may be used everyday, the time atwhich the devices are used can vary. Further, the devices have tofunction when called upon by the user (i.e., when a user wants to toastbread, the toaster cannot inform the user that toaster will not turn onfor another 30 minutes because power is cheaper: The user wants to toastthe bread when requested).

The second quantity includes power consumed by the VTLDs (i.e., thedevices that are used at known times with a known duration and kWhusage). Further, these devices have a time range in which to operate(for example, a clothes dryer can operate for one hour at night anytimebetween 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.).

So, on a daily basis, the house has a fixed quantity of electrical powerused by devices during a time range (e.g., VTLDs) and a variablequantity of electrical power used by all other devices. The VTLD amountis known in advance (i.e., before the power is required by the device).For each customer, a certain percentage of the total power usage can becontributed to the VTLDs, and it is this amount of power that an exampleembodiment negotiates and buys in advance of the power being used.

Each house (or other customer) can report its VTLD power requirements tothe power distributor, such as a municipality or a group ofmunicipalities. For each house then, the power distributor will know howmuch power to provide over a time range and exactly when this power willbe used. If every house reported the VTLD power usage to the powerdistributor, then the power distributor could regulate a largepercentage of power usage over a period of time each day and night. Forexample, if a power distributor had 5,000,000 kWh each day for VTLDsoperating between 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., then the power distributorcould determine when this power was used during this time frame. Inother words, the power distributor could instruct the VTLDs when to turnon and run for the requested time periods and use the requested amountof power. This process would reduce or eliminate demand spikes since thepower distributor could more evenly distribute load requirements of thecustomers. Furthermore, if the power requirements were given days orweeks in advance from the VTLDs, the power distributors would know withmore certainty future power usages and use this information to makeinformed purchases of power on the market. Further yet, the powerdistributor could use this information to schedule maintenance at timeswith the least disruption of power to its customers. For example, apower distributor could schedule VTLDs to be off during a thirty minutetime period in order to perform maintenance work on power distributionlines providing power to these VTLDs.

As noted, two or more customer can form groups. These customers can besingle entities (such as residential customers) or much larger entities(such as industrial complexes). As another example, two or moremunicipalities can form a group, aggregate the power requirements fortheir respective VTLD devices, and then use this information as leverageto purchase power. The leverage exists since the group knows not onlyhow much power but also has adjustability on when this power can beconsumed.

Example embodiments include the concept that customers and/or electricaldevices buy electricity or request electricity before the electricity isactually used. A customer or group of customers informs a powerdistributor as follows: “We will need X kilowatts hours on date Ybetween times Z1 to Z2. How much will you sell this amount of power andwhen should we consume this power during Z1 to Z2?” In response to thisrequest, the power distributor will instruct the customer of the costfor this power and an exact time period of when to use the requestedpower.

A potential issue arises for the power distributor if the customerultimately does not use the requested amount of power or does not usethe power during the requested time period. This situation can beresolved with a penalty for non-use and/or non-compliance with the powerrequest. The penalty would include the customer paying a fee, such aspaying a penalty or paying a higher price for the amount of requestedpower in the future. This penalty is fair since the power distributorrelied on the requested power in determining its own purchase or powergeneration requirements and load distribution to its customers.Additionally, customer contracts or utility regulations can addresssituations where customer usage is disrupted or altered due tocircumstances beyond the control of the customer or power distributor(for example, a power outage due to the weather or a malfunction of theelectrical device).

Customers would be able to avoid this penalty if they could resell therequested power to another customer before the time period for usage.For example, Company A requests 10,000 kilowatt hours of power for useon March 25^(th) between 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. The power distributorsells the power in advance to Company A with prices and a usage scheduleas follows: 2,000 kWh to be used between 12:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. with aprice of 50 cents per kWh; 7,000 kWh to be used 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.with a price of 45 cents per kWh; and 1,000 kWh to be used between 5:00a.m. to 6:00 a.m. with a price of 55 cents per kWh.

On March 24^(th), Company A realizes that it will only need 2,000 kWhbetween 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. As such, Company A has a surplus ofpreviously purchased power of 5,000 kWh. If Company A does not use thispower, then the power distributor will impose a penalty to Company A.

The IELM of Company A then automatically goes onto the open market andattempts to resell this power for Company A: “5,000 kWh for sale at aprice of 45 cents per kWh to be used between 3:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.”Since the price of electricity varies, the price may have risen sincethe original purchase. As such, Company A may be able to resell thispower back to the power distributor or to another company, such asCompany B or group of residential customers.

The IELM of Company A can automatically resell this power on behalf ofCompany A. Further, the IELM can calculate the potential penalty for notusing the power versus the price on the market for reselling the power.If the penalty is greater than the difference in resell price, the IELMwould sell the power. If the penalty is less than the difference inresell price, the IELM would not sell the power, but pay the penalty tothe power distributor.

The process of buying and selling power for electrical devices, such asVTLDs, occurs automatically and by the IELM or the VTLD itself. Thecustomer is provided with a daily, weekly, or monthly report of thepower that was purchased. The customer could also be provided with atable, chart, or other indication as to the cost savings (i.e., show thecustomer what the power would have cost if it were not pre-purchased inadvance by the IELM or IALM).

Example embodiments also enable dynamic adjustment of processes.Consider an example of a manufacturing plant that has numerous differentindustrial processes, with each process including electrical devices,such as VTLDs. These processes run each day for a given period of timeand consume a given amount of power. The time at which the processes orelectrical devices forming part of the processes run, however, is notcrucial. Instead, they can run anytime in a specified time period. Forexample, every night process A (which is tooling machine) runs for 2hours; process B (which is a furnace for molding) runs for 4 hours;process C (which is a packaging machine) runs for 5 hours. The owner ofthe plant runs the processes A, B, and C each night at the same time.This situation would not take advantage of a variable cost ofelectricity having different prices at different times of the night.

Instead of running the processes A, B, and C at the same time eachnight, these processes report their power requirements and duration toan IELM. Every day, the IELM contacts the power distributor and buys ablock of power used by processes A, B, and C. The IELM receives adiscount since the power distributor instructs the IELM when to use thepower. The IELM, in turn, uses these instructions to indicate when topower on and off the processes A, B, and C during the night. Based onthe cost of electricity purchased for a given day, the plant may runprocess A, then process B, then process C. The next night, the plant mayrun process B, then process A, then process C. The next night, the plantmay simultaneously run processes A and B and after one hour startprocess C. In short, the sequence and length of time each process ranwould depend on the availability of buying less expensive power. Sincethese processes were not required to run in any particular order orrequired to run at a specific time of day, the IELM was able to purchasepower at a cheaper rate (e.g., when the demand charges for power werelower). The IELM would automatically start and stop the machines forprocesses A, B, and C at different times each night.

FIG. 7 is a method for managing power distribution based on a rateschedule in accordance with an example embodiment.

According to block 700, an electrical device obtains a rate schedule ofprices for electricity offered for sale by a power distributor. Thisrate schedule can include different prices for different times of dayand also include different demand charges and kWh charges forelectricity.

According to block 710, the electrical device analyzes the rate scheduleto determine when to turn electrical devices on and off. The electricaldevice can also use the rate schedule to determine when to scheduledevices to commence operations in the future and develop a plan for whenmultiple different devices will turn on/off.

According to block 720, the electrical device turns on and offelectrical devices based on prices for electricity in the rate schedule.

Consider an example in which an IELM of a customer receives or obtains arate schedule for power from a power distributor. The rate schedule ofthe power distributor provides its customers with different prices forelectricity for different times of day. These different prices couldvary due to different demand charges that exist throughout the day. TheIELM would use this rate schedule to determine when to schedule and/orturn on and off electrical devices. For instance, VTLDs could bescheduled to run during times with lower prices of electricity per therate schedule. Other electrical devices could by cycled on and offduring time periods with higher rates for electricity. For example, therate schedule could indicate that the highest price for electricity willoccur during the day between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (for instance, ina warm climate when the outdoor temperature is the hottest). In responseto knowing this information, the IELM of the customer would schedule theVTLDs to be off between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The IELM can also cycleon and off other electrical devices that were required to run duringthis time period. For instance, an air conditioning unit would be turnedon and off by the IELM during 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in order todecrease power usage and demand during this time. The IELM would monitorthe temperature of the room or area serviced by the air conditioningunit and turn the unit on and off in order to keep the room or areawithin a predetermined temperature. The IELM could be programmed to workwith an air conditioning unit as follows: “During high peak demandperiods (i.e., when the price of electricity is higher), maintain theroom or area between 73-75 degrees Fahrenheit. During low peak demandperiods (i.e., when the price of electricity is lower), maintain theroom or area between 70-73 degrees Fahrenheit.” The IELM would thusmonitor the prices for electricity and then schedule electrical devicesto be on or off and/or turn electrical devices on and off based on theseprices in order to save the customer money. The IELM automaticallylowers or raises the temperature of the room or area based on the priceof electricity.

Example embodiments discussed herein can also include electrical devicesand non-electrical devices that use natural gas. For example, gasfurnaces, gas ovens, and gas stoves can include an IALM that report gasrequirements to an Intelligent Gas Load Manager (IGLM). This IGLM, inturn, reports gas usage requests to a gas distributor, which in turn,provides instructions on when to turn on and utilize requested amountsof natural gas.

Method blocks discussed herein can be automated and executed by acomputer or electronic device. The term “automated” means controlledoperation of an apparatus, system, and/or process using computers and/ormechanical/electrical devices without the necessity of humanintervention, observation, effort, and/or decision.

The methods in accordance with example embodiments are provided asexamples, and examples from one method should not be construed to limitexamples from another method. Further, methods discussed withindifferent figures can be added to or exchanged with methods in otherfigures. Further yet, specific numerical data values (such as specificquantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific informationshould be interpreted as illustrative for discussing exampleembodiments. Such specific information is not provided to limit exampleembodiments.

In some example embodiments, the methods illustrated herein and data andinstructions associated therewith are stored in respective storagedevices, which are implemented as computer-readable and/ormachine-readable storage media, physical or tangible media, and/ornon-transitory storage media. These storage media include differentforms of memory including semiconductor memory devices such as DRAM, orSRAM, Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memories (EPROMs),Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memories (EEPROMs) andflash memories; magnetic disks such as fixed, floppy and removabledisks; other magnetic media including tape; optical media such asCompact Disks (CDs) or Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs). Note that theinstructions of the software discussed above can be provided oncomputer-readable or machine-readable storage medium, or alternatively,can be provided on multiple computer-readable or machine-readablestorage media distributed in a large system having possibly pluralnodes. Such computer-readable or machine-readable medium or media is(are) considered to be part of an article (or article of manufacture).An article or article of manufacture can refer to any manufacturedsingle component or multiple components.

1.-30. (canceled)
 31. An electrical device that communicates with homeappliances and an electric utility to reduce a cost of electricity tooperate the home appliances, the electrical device comprising: a memorythat stores instructions; a network interface that connects to one ormore networks and communicates with the home appliances and with theelectric utility; and a processing unit that executes the instructionsto: determine amounts of power that the home appliance will use andfuture time ranges for using the amounts of power with the future timeranges extending for greater than a time needed for the home appliancesto use the amounts of power; consolidate the amounts of power into aconsolidated amount of power; consolidate the future time ranges into aconsolidated future time range; transmit the consolidated amount ofpower and the consolidated future time range to the electric utility;receive, from the electric utility, a time in the consolidated futuretime range when to begin to use the consolidated amount of power; andcommunicate with the home appliances to begin usage of the consolidatedamount of power at the time received from the electric utility.
 32. Theelectrical device of claim 31, wherein the home appliances are variabletime-based load devices (VTLDs), wherein a VTLD is an electrical devicethat does not start at a specific time upon demand but can start anytime during a time frame after the demand, wherein the electronic deviceinstructs the home appliances what time to start based on the timereceived from the electric utility.
 33. The electrical device of claim31 in which the processor further executes the instructions to: receive,from the electric utility, a time frame when high peak demand will occurat a future time; and communicate with the home appliances to cycle onand cycle off during the time frame when the high peak demand occurs inorder to reduce a cost of electricity.
 34. The electrical device ofclaim 31 in which the processor further executes the instructions to:instruct each of the home appliances a specific time to commenceoperation based on the time in the consolidated future time range thatwas received from the electric utility, wherein the specific time occurson or after the time received from the electric utility.
 35. Theelectrical device of claim 31 in which the processor further executesthe instructions to: analyze historical data to predict an amount ofpower that solar panels will generate during the consolidated futuretime range; reduce the consolidated amount of power by the amount ofpower that the solar panels will generate during the consolidated futuretime range; and transmit the consolidated amount of power to theelectric utility after reducing the consolidated amount of power by theamount of power that the solar panels will generate during theconsolidated future time range.
 36. The electrical device of claim 31 inwhich the processor further executes the instructions to: transmit theconsolidated amount of power and the consolidated future time range toseveral different electric utilities; request, from the severaldifferent electric utilities, price quotes to purchase the consolidatedamount of power during the consolidated future time range; and analyzethe price quotes to select one of the several different electricutilities that offers a lowest price for the consolidated amount ofpower during the consolidated future time range.
 37. The electricaldevice of claim 31 in which the processor further executes theinstructions to: analyze forecasts of weather to determine whether atemperature will fall or rise; and pre-purchase power for the homeappliances from the electric utility when a determination is made thatthe weather will fall or rise.
 38. A method executed by a processor inan electrical device to reduce a cost of electricity to a customer andto reduce peak demand to an electric utility, the method comprising:determining, by the processor and for appliances of the customer,amounts of power to be used by the appliances during future time rangesthat extend for greater than a time needed for the appliances to use theamounts of power; consolidating, by the processor, the amounts of powerinto a consolidated amount of power; consolidating, by the processor,the future time ranges into a consolidated future time range;transmitting, from the electrical device, the consolidated amount ofpower and the consolidated future time range to the electric utility;receiving, at the electrical device and from the electric utility, atime during the consolidated future time range when the appliances ofthe customer can begin to use the consolidated amount of power; andinstructing, from the electrical device, the appliances when in timeoperate such that the appliances commence usage of the consolidatedamount of power at the time received from the electric utility.
 39. Themethod of claim 38 further comprising: monitoring, by the electricaldevice, weather forecasts that predict changes in temperature during afuture time; and communicating, by the electrical device, with theelectric utility to pre-purchase power for use by the appliances duringthe future time in order to purchase the power at a lower cost.
 40. Themethod of claim 38 further comprising: communicating, by the electricaldevice, with other electrical devices of other customers to form a groupthat is formed of the customer and the other customers; negotiating, bythe electrical device and with the electric utility, a price to purchaseelectrical power for the group that is formed of the customer and theother customers.
 41. The method of claim 38 further comprising:imposing, by the electric utility and on the customer, a penalty ofpaying a higher price for the consolidated amount of power when thecustomer fails to use all the consolidated amount of power during theconsolidated future time range.
 42. The method of claim 38 furthercomprising: transmitting, from the electrical device and to the electricutility, the consolidated future time range that includes calendar datesthat provide different future days and different future time ranges onthese different future days for using the consolidated amount of powerbeing requested.
 43. The method of claim 38 further comprising:transmitting, from the electrical device, the consolidated amount ofpower and the consolidated future time range to a plurality of differentelectric utilities in order to receive different price bids for sellingthe consolidated amount of power to the customer.
 44. A computer system,comprising: a server of an electric utility that analyzes requests forpower from customers to reduce peak demand; and electrical devices ofthe customers that reduce a cost of electricity purchased from theelectric utility in which each of the electrical devices include amemory that stores instructions and a processing unit that executes theinstructions to: communicate with appliances of the customers todetermine requests for power that include amounts of power to be usedduring future time ranges that extend for greater than a time needed forthe appliances to execute and use the requests for power; consolidatethe amounts of power into a consolidated amount of power; consolidatethe future time ranges into a consolidated future time range; transmitthe consolidated amount of power and the consolidated future time rangeto the server of the electric utility; receive from the electric utilitya time when to begin to use the consolidated amount of power in theconsolidated future time range; and instruct the appliances the timewhen to begin use of the consolidated amount of power.
 45. The computersystem of claim 44, wherein the consolidated future time range includesmultiple different future start times and multiple different future endtimes for when a customer will consume the consolidated amount of powerbeing requested.
 46. The computer system of claim 44, wherein theprocessing unit further executes the instructions to predict theconsolidated amount of power and the consolidated future time rangebefore sending the consolidated amount of power and the consolidatedfuture time range to the electric utility.
 47. The computer system ofclaim 44, wherein the processing unit further executes the instructionsto transmit the consolidated amount of power and the consolidated futuretime range to multiple different electric utilities to receive competingprices to purchase the consolidated amount of power for use during theconsolidated future time range.
 48. The computer system of claim 44,wherein the processing unit further executes the instructions to:analyze operating information of the appliances; and determine whichones of the appliances are a variable time-based load device (VTLD),wherein the VTLD is an electrical device that does not start at aspecific time upon demand but can start any time during a time frameafter the demand.
 49. The computer system of claim 44, wherein theprocessing further executes the instruction to: receive from theelectric utility a rate schedule that includes demand charges during ahigh peak demand period; and cycle on and cycle off the appliancesduring the high peak demand period to reduce the cost of electricity.50. The computer system of claim 44, wherein the processing unit furtherexecutes the instructions to analyze operating information of theappliances to predict the amounts of power and the future time rangeswhen the appliances will use the amounts of power.